Feb 13, 2026
Central Hudson And Mid-Hudson Libraries Expand Free Home Energy Program To Help Customers Lower Costs
Strong community demand drives expansion of HomeBoost kits through local libraries, giving customers practical tools to reduce monthly bills

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – February 13, 2026 – Today, Central Hudson Gas & Electric (Central Hudson) and the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS) announced that the free, do-it-yourself home energy assessment initiative is growing, bringing increased access to Hudson Valley residents looking to lower energy use and reduce monthly costs. 

Launched on August 1, 2025, HomeBoost gives Central Hudson customers the opportunity to borrow an energy assessment kit from participating MHLS libraries. Each kit includes a smartphone-compatible thermal imaging camera and step-by-step instructions to help users identify areas in their homes where energy efficiency can be improved. Within days of completing the assessment, customers receive a free, personalized digital report with tailored recommendations and information about available rebates to help improve efficiency and reduce monthly bills. 

“We’re thrilled that our community is taking a strong interest in the HomeBoost program,” said Lauren Preston, Central Hudson’s Chief Customer Services Officer. “In just six months, the HomeBoost program has continued to grow and now accounts for 10 percent of the energy assessments performed in our service area since launching. The early success has allowed us to expand access quickly — bringing this valuable energy-saving resource to even more communities throughout our service area.” 

Program Impact to Date: 

Upon launch, the HomeBoost program distributed 24 kits across 10 library locations. Since then, demand has only grown, leading to the expansion of the program to 30 additional locations, including expanding into the Ramapo Catskill Library System (RCLS), with another 100 HomeBoost kits added to circulation in response to demand. 

How It Works: 

To participate, residents must have a library card from an MHLS or RCLS member library and be an active Central Hudson customer. HomeBoost kits are compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. For the most accurate results, users should have basic home details available, such as the year their home was built, square footage, type of heating system, and window style. 

Participating Libraries: 

HomeBoost kits are available for customers with a library card at these locations in MHLS: 

Adriance Memorial Library – Poughkeepsie* 

Morton Memorial Library and Community House 

Boardman Road Branch – Poughkeepsie* 

NorthEast-Millerton Library 

Cairo Public Library 

Olive Free Library Association 

Catskill Public Library - Catskill 

Palenville Branch of Catskill Public Library 

Clinton Community Library 

Pine Plains Free Library 

Elting Memorial Library - New Paltz 

Plattekill Public Library 

Greenville Public Library 

Pleasant Valley Library 

Grinnell Public Library District 

Red Hook Public Library 

Heermance Memorial Library 

Rosendale Library 

Howland Public Library -Beacon 

Saugerties Public Library 

Hunter Public Library 

Staatsburg Library 

Hurley Library 

Stone Ridge Library 

Hyde Park Library District 

Tivoli Free Library 

Julia L. Butterfield Memorial Library - Cold Spring 

Town of Esopus Library - Port Ewen 

Kingston Library - Kingston 

West Hurley Public Library 

LaGrange Association Library 

Woodstock Public Library - Woodstock 

Marlboro Free Library 

 

 

Also available in RCLS at these locations: 

 

Wallkill Public Library 

Cornwall Public Library 

Cragsmoor Free Library 

Daniel Pierce Library 

Newburgh Free Library 

 

The HomeBoost program is part of Central Hudson’s broader efforts to help customers better understand their energy use and identify opportunities to lower costs. By working with trusted community partners like local libraries, Central Hudson is expanding access to hands-on tools that help residents better understand home energy use. 

 

To learn more or find a participating library, visit www.cenhud.com/HomeBoost  

 

ABOUT CENTRAL HUDSON 

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation, a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., is an energy delivery company headquartered in Poughkeepsie, New York. Central Hudson provides electricity to approximately 315,000 customers and natural gas to 90,000 customers across eight counties in New York State’s Mid-Hudson River Valley. The company serves a 2,600-square-mile territory that stretches north from the suburbs of metropolitan New York City to the Capital District around Albany. Central Hudson actively supports local community service and business organizations and offers value-added products and services, including energy efficiency and economic development programs. For more information, visit www.CentralHudson.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, follow our updates on Instagram, learn about our achievements on LinkedIn, and stay informed on X.